Regorafenib
About Regorafenib
Regorafenib is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of colorectal carcinoma. Colorectal cancer is a disease in which the cancer or the malignant cells grow out of control in the colon or rectum.
Regorafenib contains Regorafenib as an active ingredient, which belongs to the class of medicines known as kinase inhibitors. It works by inhibiting the action of an enzyme (tyrosine kinase) and thus stops the abnormal growth of cancer cells.
Regorafenib may cause certain side effects such as diarrhea, rash, tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, hoarseness, and dizziness. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Regorafenib should be taken as advised by your doctor.
Avoid taking Regorafenib if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, hypertension, heart problems, blood disorders, plan of any surgery, or any skin disorders. This medicine is not recommended for use in pregnant and breastfeeding mothers due to embryo-fetal toxicity.
Uses of Regorafenib
Medicinal Benefits
Regorafenib contains, Regorafenib which used in the treatment of colorectal cancer (CRC) in patients who have previously been treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an antiVEGF therapy, and, if KRAS wild type, an anti-EGFR therapy. It works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body. In this way, Regorafenib stops the body's production, spread and growth of cancerous cells.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Regorafenib
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Skin rash
- Hoarseness
- Tiredness
- Chest pain
- Dizziness
- Weakness
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Regorafenib for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Avoid taking Regorafenib if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established. Regorafenib may cause hypertension, heart attack, hand-foot skin reaction, gastrointestinal perforation, haemorrhage, hepatotoxicity, and Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS) in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medication and medical history before taking Regorafenib. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment, as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Avoid driving and operating machines, as this medicine may cause dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Regorafenib may have interaction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (clarithromycin, diltiazem, erythromycin, itraconazole, ketoconazole, ritonavir), strong CYP3A4 inducers (carbamazepine, rifampicin, phenytoin, phenobarbitone).
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, GI perforation, or lung toxicity before starting the treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid alcohol consumption while taking Regorafenib.
Pregnancy
unsafeRegorafenib is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before taking Regorafenib. You should not become pregnant while you are taking Regorafenib and for at least two weeks after your treatment. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment with Regorafenib is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeRegorafenib should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant.
Driving
unsafeRegorafenib may cause dizziness in some patients. Hence, do not drive, operate machinery, or engage in any activity that needs concentration until you are confident that you can do so safely while you are on treatment with Regorafenib.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before taking this medicine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before taking Regorafenib. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeRegorafenib is not recommended for use in children below 18 years of age as the safety and efficacy is not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
- Avoid fast food, fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests to monitor the function of the liver due to the use of Regorafenib.
- It is advised to use contraceptive pills while using Regorafenib to prevent pregnancy.
- Seek medical attention immediately if you have swelling in your lower legs, fast heartbeats, or trouble breathing as it may be a sign of a heart problem.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Colorectal cancer: Also known as colon cancer (growth of cancer cells in the colon) or rectal cancer (cancer cells grow in the rectum area) is a condition in which the cancerous or the malignant cells grow out of control in the colon or rectum. Symptoms may include diarrhoea, constipation, bloody stools, change in the bowel habits, abdominal discomfort, etc.
FAQs
Regorafenib is used to treat Colorectal Cancer.
Regorafenib contains Regorafenib, which works by stopping the action of a tyrosine kinase enzyme that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Regorafenib is safe to be taken by a diabetic person. However, take Regorafenib only after consulting with a doctor, as they may adjust the dosing according to your condition.
You should know that this medicine may reduce fertility in both men and women. Discuss the risks of taking an irinotecan injection with your doctor.
Yes, Regorafenib is a chemotherapy agent used in the treatment of colon and rectal cancer.
Regorafenib should be taken with a low-fat breakfast. Swallow it as a whole with a glass of water. Do not crush, break, or chew the medicine.
Yes, Regorafenib works by shrinking the tumours or stopping their growth. Thereby, it helps treat colorectal cancer.
Regorafenib may cause side effects such as diarrhoea, rash, tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, weight loss, fatigue, stomach pain, loss of appetite, hoarseness, and dizziness. Consult the doctor if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
